There's always something happening in the VSCC calendar, even right the way through the coldest and darkest winter months. No sooner had the 2010 season drawn to a close with the Winter Driving Tests on 4 December, it was time to kick start the competitive year for 2011 with the New Year Driving Tests at Brooklands. Luckily a cold, crisp and extremely sunny morning prevailed, and as soon as the cones were laid out, and the marshalls were in position, driving commenced just after 10am.

The tests were positioned around parts of the old circuit banking, the flat, and the famous Test Hill. The oldest car competing was a 1911 SCAT Racer owned by London based enthusiast Andrew Howe-Davies. This highly patinated Edwardian gem, powered by a 9.5 litre Simplex engine certainly attracted plenty of attention, as did Alex Pilkington’s gorgeous 1930 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750. The short wheelbase Bugatti Brescias of Edmund Burgess and David Marsh are particularly well suited for driving tests, being nimble and speedy, and both drivers are regular competitors at Brooklands.

Long wheelbase cars are sometimes at a disadvantage, unless they are as manoeuvrable and quick as the Frazer-Nash TT replicas and Super Sports competing. The decaying concrete surface, mixed with stones, moss and leaves had most competitors cars scrabbling for grip on their skinny crossply tyres. Indeed, Gary Caroline’s 1932 Morgan Super Sports three-wheeler seemed at a definite disadvantage, especially on the steeper sections of the banked track. The humble Austin Seven is a popular car with many VSCC members and is ideal for driving tests with 20 competing overall.

The lunchtime break provided the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and acquaintances in the paddock, where competing cars were joined by a fine variety of visiting vintage cars. A ‘must do’ midwinter event for enthusiasts of vintage cars with plenty of action to enjoy, made even more enjoyable on such splendid winter’s day!